I believe learning is a lifelong endeavor. A person should be inspired each day to learn more about the world and seek more information about what he or she already knows. Teaching does not occur in a vacuum; the student must be open to new ideas and activities, and the teacher must be willing to try different ways to reach learners and discover students’ specific interests to keep learning appealing. Since we all have different abilities, it’s important for teachers to stay creative and engaging so students learn everything possible from what if being taught.

Basic studies in elementary and high school create the foundation for advanced learning during college or other pursuits during adulthood. At some point, it’s not about the sum of each person’s knowledge, but about knowing where to go to seek the answers for ourselves. My goal when teaching is to make independent learners who question the world and strive to learn more about what’s happening. It’s not enough to have a brain full of facts; students must learn critical thinking skills that make them “expert learners” who know where to go and what to do when they want answers or more information on a topic.

The philosophies of Assistive Technology and Universal Design for Learning have also influenced me. Each student must be offered the most appropriate equipment and devices necessary to facilitate learning and participation in the classroom. Further, each student must be afforded multiple means of representation, engagement, and expression to demonstrate the learning process and how much growth has occurred.

Now, as my college English professor implored us at the end of each day: “Go off and do great things!”

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Philosophy of Teaching: My Views